SPCR Researcher Spotlight | Dr Grace Turner and Dr Jane Vennik
30 June 2025
We are pleased to share the next edition of our SPCR Researcher Spotlight series, featuring two of our researchers, Dr Grace Turner from the University of Birmingham and Dr Jane Vennik from the University of Southampton . This series highlights the impact of continued SPCR research capacity and development funding since it's introduction in 2010.
From Bristol to Milan: A PhD journey through AI, ultrasound & espresso
In this blog post, Kerstin Nothnagel reflects on her journey from Bristol to Milan, exploring AI, ultrasound, and the research culture that shaped her PhD experience.
SPCR Researcher Spotlight | Dr Bethan Treadgold and Dr Sophie Orton
3 June 2025
We are pleased to share the next edition of our SPCR Researcher Spotlight series, featuring two of our researchers, Dr. Bethan Treadgold from the University of Exeter and Dr. Sophie Orton from the University of Nottingham . This series highlights the impact of continued SPCR research capacity and development funding since it's introduction in 2010.
Research as a general dentist – an exciting career path
16 May 2025
In this blog post, James Coughlan reflects on his experiences as a general dental practitioner engaging in health research, offering insights into the expanding role of academic inquiry within primary dental care.
SPCR Researcher Spotlight | Dr Kelly Birtwell and Dr Ben Fletcher
8 May 2025
We are pleased to share the next edition of our SPCR Researcher Spotlight series, featuring two of our researchers, Dr. Kelly Birtwell from the University of Manchester and Dr. Ben Fletcher from the University of Birmingham. This series highlights the impact of continued SPCR research capacity and development funding since it's introduction in 2010.
The role of community pharmacies in early cancer detection with a focus on deprivation
6 May 2025
Community pharmacies can play a key role in early cancer detection, especially in deprived areas. Dr Judit Konya, from Collaboration for Academic Primary Care (APEx) , Exeter, shares an update on her research.
Developing guidance for researchers on how to involve and partner with ethnically diverse communities in research
8 April 2025
This blog and the associated guidance was produced by Aston University and Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHC).
SPCR Researcher Spotlight | Dr Ben Bowers & Dr Ralph Kwame Akyea
7 April 2025
We are pleased to share the first edition of our SPCR Researcher Spotlight series, featuring two of our researchers, Dr. Ben Bowers from the University of Cambridge and Dr. Ralph Kwame Akyea from the University of Nottingham. This series highlights the impact of continued SPCR research capacity and development funding since it's introduction in 2010.
Reflections on my In2Research placement with the Q-DaPS team
25 November 2024
As part of the Q-DaPS project (SPCR Project no. 596) University College London hosted two In2Research Placement participants over the summer to work on the project. Kimberly McBride has written a blog about her experience.
Multimorbidity could cause a healthcare crisis – here’s what we can do about it
Multimorbidity is one of the biggest challenges facing healthcare. In recent years, a succession of research studies have shown that people with multiple health problems are more likely to have a worse quality of life, worse mental health and reduced life expectancy.
Bristol Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) Pre-Grant patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE)
A partnership and panel event to support School for Primary Care Research (SPCR) FR15/16 applications.
Confessions of a NIHR Knowledge Mobilisation Research Fellow
17 July 2017
For 25 years, I have been a frustrated researcher. Like many, I came into the field of research to make a difference. But as the years passed, I realised that research had little influence on healthcare policymaking or practice.
Public Involvement Workshops 2017: Public Contributor Perspective
The SPCR recently hosted 6 workshops to promote patient and public involvement in the early stages of study design, to support potential FR15 and 16 funding bids. One such workshop titled 'Clinical trials- online recruitment and electronic health records' was attended by public contributor Eric Deeson, who has written about his experiences on the day.
Developing a measure of appropriate polypharmacy in primary care: the first steps
Increasing multimorbidity and the rising numbers of guidelines focussing on how to treat specific medical conditions have led to widespread polypharmacy (the use of multiple medications in one individual).
Latest news
New Ankle Blood Pressure Tool Offers Hope for Thousands with Arm Measurement Barriers
4 July 2025
A new SPCR study has unveiled a more accurate way to measure blood pressure at the ankle, offering a vital breakthrough for people unable to have readings taken from their arms.
Celebrating Excellence in Primary Care Research and Education: SPCR Colleagues Honoured
30 June 2025
The NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR) is delighted to celebrate and congratulate several of our colleagues who have recently received awards and honours for their contributions to primary care research, education, and practice.
Three NIHR Research Schools’ Mental Health Programme Newsletter | Q2 - June 2025
26 June 2025
The Q2 Three NIHR Research Schools’ Mental Health Programme Newsletter is out now. Sign-up to our newsletters to stay updated about our latest news, publications and funding.